Love…. Is there really a differential?

I have been thinking a lot about this recently and in particular whether there is a differential between the love you have for others.

As a mother you hear a lot about the unconditional love you have for your children, the concept that no matter what your child does you will always love them. However, I am not sure there is really a love differential at all.

There are some people I’m sure for whom you would say you would give your life for but I’m not sure for everyone this is solely for those you love. Yes, this could indeed be for your family, friends and pets but there are many people who give their lives for strangers too.

I couldn’t think of any more greater sacrifice than giving your life for someone else. Does this come down to a judgement of whether YOU think someone’s life is worth more than yours and how could you measure that?

I guess everyone would measure this differently; are they younger so would have the potential for ‘more of a life’ than you? Do they have children who might suffer a greater impact by their death than you (without a family)? Are you sick and they are healthy? Would you be a better protector than being protected? So many judgements which might need to be made quickly in a life or death situation.

So saying you would give your life for someone else is not a differential when it comes to love. So is there one? What do you think?